Thank you so much, Chaos Anita and Grace. :-) And also thanks to my beta-reader Miss Fi who is also a very supportive and wonderful person, and my other two most obsessed fans, Catwho and Neko-Metallium. I couldn't write without everyone's support, especially theirs. So . . . this chapter is for you five:-) Thanks for everything.
On another note, Drake Dragon (I believe) asked in a recent review how they could find out when I updated. Well, I don't have an update service or anything like some people, but if someone joins and add me to their favorite author list, they should be able to get "author updates", which will inform them of when I update on their e-mail. Drake Dragon, you're already two thirds of the way there, so just check out your "author update" link and it should work. :-)
Finally finished another chapter last night, after a lot of forcing myself to write. Let me tell you . . . the tiny stupid little tourist town I live in doesn't give anyone much of a muse. It sucks out here, someone rescue me! But with a lot of perseverance I should be able to stick it out and write more . . . :-D
And last of all, a little warning about this chapter. There IS some Xellos/Filia smut, and a scene where I opted to use a few clinical terms to . . . avoid depravity. :-) Hopefully no one will be TOO confused. There's also a lot of angst too. Kleenex might be a good idea, lol.
Love ya all!
Ukchana
Chapter 22
Somewhere
over the Pacific Ocean
June
6th, 2002
Iyzeka sighed as she leaned against Val and closed her eyes. The television droned in her ears as she easily established a link to him, giving in to her desperation to connect.
–Why are you so upset, Val?— she asked, reaching out a hand to touch his knee.
—I'm not,— came the sharp reply, then he amended, –Really, I'm okay.—
No, you're not, the girl thought, shaking her head slightly, burgundy bangs shifting. It's so obvious he's upset, she told herself, frustration shimmering at the edge of her compassion
—If you're okay,— she said to him in her mind, —why did you exhibit that gigantic flash of pain and anguish when you called Master Xel- I mean, Zander, 'Dad'?— The torment sliced through him again like a blade, and she hastened to add, —Don't get upset, it's alright!—
—Can't you TELL why I feel this way?— he asked bitterly, gold eyes staring at the television. –Even though I tried to block it from you, everyone still felt it. Xellosfelt it.—
Her emerald eyes clouded and she took his hand. –Talk to him about it,— she suggested. –I won't presume to know what you are feeling exactly, or why . . . but . . . I think that my Master cares a great deal for you.—
—Yet, you're dismayed and surprised,— Valgaav scoffed with unnatural distain, yet continued to hold her hand calmly. –So how could he, if you doubt it . . .—
Taking a deep breath, Iyzeka yawned, trying to appear worn. –I don't doubt it, I just find it alien to what I've experienced. I told you, he's changed quite a bit.—
Annoyance had been brewing within her, and slowly began to boil into anger. —He was ruthless, cut-throat. The worst and most dangerous person toever have the unfortunate luck of meeting. And now . . .— The demoness sunk into the cushions tiredly. —Now, he . . . he cares so much about you and Miss Filia . . . He has truly become . . . more than he was.—
—
Valgaav closed his eyes and exhaled slowly, listening to the soft thrum of the cabin as the jet climbed. —I . . . I know.—
—And you want to be a part of it,— she added gently.
—But I can't . . . not unless he lets me.— The young man straightened on the couch, releasing her hand and trying to smile at her. "I'm feeling kind of tired," he murmured. "I think I'm going to go to bed early."
Gazing over at him, the redhead nodded. "Me too."
He switched off the television and gave a quick glance behind him as he stood. Xellos was turned from him, his head leaning back on the couch that was faced away from the TV.
"Okay," Val looked back at the tiny girl, then took her hand again.
Wearily, the two youths headed for the back rooms, then stopped between the doors to the two smaller bedrooms. —Let me hug you,— Iyzeka said, emerald eyes sad.
With a shy smile, the teal-haired boy took her into his arms. Her tight embrace made his eyes widen, and he chuckled. "Going to miss me that much?" he asked.
She looked up at him, expression intense. "I know you're sad," she answered, mouth turning up slightly. "But I want you to know that . . . you can still talk to me." —I mean it, you stubborn dragon,— she teased slightly in his mind, then sobered. –I . . . I'm not like other Mazoku. You know that. Please . . . give me a chance to show you that I'm not.—
His golden eyes peered down at her, then he smiled. "I know." —Thanks, Iyzeka. You're right, you're very different. I'll do my best to not prejudge you.—
Beaming, the girl went into her room, and he opened the door to his own. I feel so drained, the dragon told himself as he entered and shut the door behind him.
Sitting down on the bed, Valgaav took off his shoes and socks, then stared at the wallpapered bulkhead. I shouldn't have gotten so emotional, the slim young man told himself, pulling his legs up under him and clutching his hands together in his lap. His face fell as he shook his head slowly, saffron eyes narrowing with sadness. No, I can't dwell on this, not now. Xellos . . . Xellos knows how I feel, now.
Forcing his expression to slacken, Val lay down on the bed, over the coverlet. I just have to accept the fact that he may not want me as his son.
A sudden knock on his door made the teen sit up, then he chuckled at himself slightly. "Come in," he called. It's probably Mom, or Iyzeka has more weird questions or something, he told himself wearily.
The door opened, and Xellos hesitantly stepped into the room; his tie was gone and his dress-shirt unbuttoned at the neck. "I wanted to talk to you before you went to bed," he said, violet eyes open with an odd indecision as he closed the door behind him.
Valgaav's mouth opened, then he shrugged and stood up from instinct, an odd fear fluttering in his gut. "Sure. Okay."
Walking forward slowly, the older man stopped before him, then gave him a slight smile. "Pretty soon you'll be taller than I am," he said hoarsely, but it sounded like an empty platitude and his gaze was troubled. "Let's sit down," Xellos gestured to the table and chairs in the corner of the cabin.
The boy nodded quickly and moved to sit, feet pulling under him to rub the legs of the chair. He remained silent as the Mazoku sat next to him.
—Val,— Xellos spoke in his mind, —would you . . . talk to me?— he asked nervously.
—What's there to talk about?— the boy tried to deflect the question. —Really, everything's fine. The mission has just begun, there's nothing out of the ordinary yet . . .—
—I don't mean the mission,— came Xellos' dry voice in his mind, then the man spoke. "I know it's been a long time since we did much together, Val," he said, patting his hand. "But . . ." The long-haired business man stared into his yellow eyes. "We're together now."
Shaken, Valgaav looked away and gripped the base of his chair. —I can't do this, Xellos, I just . . .—
—Do you see how similar this is?— Xellos' mind-voice rang loudly in his head as the Mazoku leaned over to grab his shoulder in one hand. "Talk to me," he said, and the desperation flowed over the mind-link. "Val . . ." Xellos' eyes closed and he let go, shoulders falling as he leaned back in his chair, a broken man.
Tears sprung to Valgaav's eyes, and he bit his lip hard to keep from crying. "You know how I really feel," his voice shook.
Raising his head, the older man gazed at him, then took a slow breath. "Val . . . I know I'm never going to be your biological father." They stared at each other, the boy's accusing eyes filling with tears. "But," Xellos continued, jaw tightening as he sat up in the chair, "you're . . . you're everything I would want in a son."
The aqua-haired boy began to sob, collapsing in on himself. "But, but I'm not your son," he wept, burying his face in his hands. "I . . . I'm not . . ."
Something gently took his arm and lifted him up, and Val found himself pulled into an embrace. He . . . he's hugging me, he thought, shock halting his tears.
"Youare," Xellos' voice asserted in his ear, then the demon pulled back to stare at him. "Dammit, do you really think I spent all these years with you just because of your mother?" The Mazoku blinked quickly as his violet eyes began to shine. "I . . . I wish I'd been there for you back then the way I want to be now." —Val, I mean this, I really do,— he affirmed within his mind.
—I,— the boy sobbed, —I just . . . just wanted to be your son, I'm sorry,— he dropped his head and Xellos embraced him again. —I have no right to ask for you to be my father.—
—It's not about rights!— the demon's mind-voice shouted, —It's about the fact that I WANT you to be my son, Valgaav,— he clutched him tighter, almost angrily, —I won't let this go, I won't let you go . . .— Calming, Xellos took a shuddering breath. "My Val," he whispered aloud. "You are a part of my life that I will NOT give up."
Valgaav relaxed in the older man's arms, feeling his emotions beginning to rebuild their strength. —Xellos,— he said finally, —this . . . means a lot to me. But, what do we do about Mom?— Aloud, the teen said, "Thanks, Dad," and pulled his head back to give him a soggy smile.
Smirking, Xellos let him go and chucked him under the chin. "Your mother will be wondering where I am," he muttered, affection brimming in his violet gaze.
"Yeah," Val ducked his head, sudden embarrassment flooding him. Dammit, getting all mushy, he berated himself.
—As to your mother,— Xellos answered in his mind, —I'm not sure how she'd react to you calling me 'dad' after this mission. I myself will have to get used to it.—
The older man smiled as he began to head towards the door. "Have a good night," he spoke. "And don't worry, I'm sure you'll feel a million times better in the morning."
Val nodded as Xellos left, but the weak transmission the Mazoku still sent out soothed him. —It won't be an easy transition,— Xellos' voice echoed in his head, —but nothing worthwhile was ever easy, right?— In Val's mind, Xellos chuckled happily.
—True . . . Goodnight, Xel,— the teen returned, sitting on his bed and smiling at the closed door.
—Goodnight, kid.—
(-(-(-)-)-)
"Veria," Xellos wheedled as he leaned against the bulkhead in the living room, "don't you think you should put away that book?"
Glancing up, Filia dropped the book and giggled. "Oh, sorry. I guess I got too involved." A few strands had fallen out of her bun, making her look adorably disheveled, her bare feet curled up behind her on the couch, the high-heels and stockings tossed into a corner.
Chuckling at her, the violet-haired man began to saunter towards her. "Did you take your medicine yet?"
The blonde blushed and shook her head. "I forgot."
Xellos sat down beside her and leaned back, folding his hands behind his head. "You'd better take it now, don't you think?"
With a quick nod, Filia grabbed her purse and started rummaging through it. Beside her, her 'husband' yawned and stretched, then got to his feet. "I'll get you some water," he said, and started walking back towards the kitchen area of the jet.
This acting like husband and wife is going to get old really soon, Xellos told himself as he stepped into the kitchen, bare feet padding on the cold tile. Opening some cupboards, he soon found a glass and began filling it at the sink. I really hope we find the stone fast, so we can get back as quickly as possible.
Filia met him in the hallway, her bun collapsing lopsidedly and bobby pins sticking out from random locks of hair. "Thank you," she smiled shyly, taking the glass he held out. She took the pill in her hand and drank, blue eyes watching him all the while. Then she held the glass to her chest and leaned against the bulkhead, gaze falling as she spoke. "Val . . . was pretty upset I think."
"I spoke with him," Xellos said, voice gentle. "It's going to be alright."
Stepping past her, the Mazoku began to turn off the cabin lights, until only moonlight shone through the jet windows that lined the walls. Returning to his companion, he found that the glass was gone; she'd no doubt placed it somewhere while he was away.
"Let's go to bed," he told his 'wife', and a jolt of terror coursed down her. Taking her hand, he sent to her, —Veria, don't worry.—
Xellos led her into the master bedroom and flipped on the light, revealing the spartan interior.
Hands clenched together before her, Filia entered the room and looked around, bare feet sinking slightly into the cream carpeting. Seeing her bags where she had left them, she approached her things and sat on the floor. With a sigh, she opened the traveling case, then stared at her clothes; the anxiety flowing from her became more distinct with every breath.
Dammit, she's got to cut that out, someone on the astral plane could feel it. Xellos went to her side and knelt next to her, one hand going across her shoulders. "Don't worry about Valiant, honey. He's fine, you can go check on him if you want." In his mind, he told her, —Control your fear, Veria! We can't afford anyone sensing it, so just calm yourself. Calm.—
"Okay," she said aloud, slowly taking out the satin night-slip that Zelas had loaned her; appropriately high class for the person she was pretending to be. -–I don't know what to do. We . . . will be sleeping in the same bed . . .—
—And nothing will happen,— he said firmly, standing slowly and beginning to remove his dress shirt. Turning away from her, Xellos undressed, setting his fine clothes to one side of his suitcase.
A hand touched his arm as he finished folding his slacks, and he glanced up as he placed the item with the others.
In the warm overhead lighting, Filia's skin seemed to glow, her bare legs and arms pink like her blushing face. The blue satin slip hung loosely off of her slender frame, accentuating her ample curves, and he could glimpse her black underwear beneath it.
Standing, Xellos looked at her calmly, himself clad in only boxers. "You look very beautiful tonight," he told her honestly, and took her into his arms before she began to shake. —Filia, it's okay. Remember, we've seen each other naked,— he joked, trying to lighten her nervousness. —This is just a game, just like a theatre production. Just imagine there are cameras and you're a movie star.—
The thin satin against his chest confirmed that she was naked beneath it, and the chill of being so exposed to the air made it quite obvious. But his observation was almost analytical; Xellos felt nothing, for his hormones had been shut down hours ago.
Filia pulled away from him then, and smiled up at him, flaxen hair cascading around her face. "Thank you," she said with more confidence, and he hoped she was taking his words to heart. "You're not that ugly yourself," she teased as she moved towards the bed.
Good, thank the Lady, he told himself as he went to turn off the light. We might make it through this yet.
The room plunged into darkness as Xellos moved to join her in the bed. He pulled the aquamarine covers over him, the sheets cool on his skin. A slight warmth radiated from his right where Filia's dark silhouette watched him.
Sighing slowly, the purple-haired man moved his hand towards her under the blankets, and brushed her thigh. —Are you alright now, Filia?—
She rolled towards him, and he found himself embraced, one breast and leg lying across him, her skin silken and soft. —I don't think so,— she said, but it was all fear and no lust. —But the medication seems to be making me at least a bit tired.—
Xellos smiled a bit and held her close to him, kissing her forehead in the moonlight. With a very soft voice, he spoke. "Filia. No one can hear when I speak this quietly." She looked up at him as he ran his hand through her hair, her blue eyes shining in the celestial light. "Don't be afraid," he told her. "I'll protect you."
With a tiny gasp, she buried herself into him, kissing the nape of his neck as her arms held him tightly, desperately. –I'm sorry,— she distantly murmured in his mind, —I . . . I don't want to be afraid . . .—
Xellos closed his eyes and ran a hand down her side, the satin soft against his fingers. He found some strange comfort in how close they were. –I know. Just sleep, darling. It's alright.—
'Darling', he thought to himself as the woman in his arms fell asleep, her weight against him so soothing and warm.
I hope I can always call you that.
With that, Xellos let his body drift into slumber.
(-(-(-)-)-)
Somewhere
over the Pacific Ocean
June
7th, 2002
Light spilled across the turquoise bedspread, and with a lurch, Xellos awoke. He discovered Filia laying on top of him, deep asleep. One arm slung around the back of his neck, the dragoness held him as if her life depended on it.
Her leg is touching . . . me . . . he thought, realizing that his body's natural attempt to prevent enuresis had made itself known, and Filia was resting against the member. Damn everything, I completely forgot about this. Shows what I get for not getting a deep night's sleep in a few centuries. Sure enough, the morning reaction had activated his hormones.
Before he could even think, he felt everything - her breasts pressed up against his chest, her legs spread above him, her bare thighs and calves and the smell of her hair and the heat of her body—
All of his muscles tightened imperceptibly, and when the blonde shifted against him, he hissed as every inch of his bare skin felt it with the sudden sensitivity of the arousal. This is NOT what I need to happen! the General-Priest raged, hands clutching at her form instinctually. No, no, I can't do this, I WON'T do anything, I WON'T!
A strange, analytical part of him commented, When she wakes up, she'll panic, you know.
Oh, Lady, that will SO blow our cover.
I could try to move her, under the guise of going to the bathroom, but she would most likely wake up and say my name before she remembers to call me Zander instead. Or, Xellos shuddered slightly as her breath caressed his neck, I can kiss her now, wake her up and tell her telepathically WHY I'm kissing her . . . and hope she believes me.
His violet eyes closed as the implications settled over him. If she doesn't believe me . . . I doubt she'll ever trust me again.
Filia's head moved slightly, and he knew his time was up. With great control, he did exactly what he wanted to do, and what he had to do. Rolling her onto her back, he laid down on top of her to keep her from writhing in fear, wrapped his arms over her own, and began to kiss her.
—WAKE UP, FILIA!— he started the link harshly. His violet hair feathered along her face as he forced her mouth open, kissing her deeply because he knew he couldn't do it half-way without it looking staged.
Stiffening, the woman beneath him stared up at him and tried to move, but her arms were pinned by his chest. —Xellos! Why are you kissing me, WHAT'S GOING ON, WHERE AM I?!—
—This is what I was afraid of,— he sighed as her squirming heightened his arousal and her fear dampened it. —You don't recall. We're undercover, remember? Come ON, Filia, you're Veria Mettler, my wife.—
—I . . . I remember.— The blonde relaxed, and he gave her some room to maneuver. To his surprise, she began returning the kiss, her freed arms brushing beneath his arms to grasp his upper back. –Couldn't you have found another way?—
—Not if I wanted to risk you saying 'Xellos' as soon as you saw me in bed with you,— the man answered tersely. Slight embarrassment trickled through him as he realized the exchanged anger was also increasing his feelings.
Filia began to moan, her tongue becoming forceful in his mouth, and she didn't answer him. Realization hit Xellos like cold water, and he raged, —FILIA! SNAP OUT OF IT!— Breaking the kiss, he began nuzzling her neck in the hopes it would be less of a stimulant. —Don't lose it, Veria,— he reminded her.
Her nails dug into his back as she breathed heavily. —Sorry,— she answered guiltily, face flushed with shame. —It's just that . . . I never really felt very attractive and . . . for you to find me so . . .—
"We have to get up," he said aloud, smiling down at her gently as he brushed back his hair. —I told you before that you were beautiful, didn't I?— he answered as she nodded back sadly.
Whispering, the Mazoku added in her ear, "I'm sorry I had to kiss you, but not because of you." His violet gaze left her as he continued softly. "Friends . . . aren't supposed to be attracted to each other. I've tried very hard to prevent our friendship from deteriorating because of lust." His eyes flickered back once more. "I'll keep trying."
Ashamed himself at how badly the plan was working, Xellos smiled sorrowfully at her and kissed her forehead. "Come on," he said aloud, and grinned with affection as he rose. "We have a big day ahead of us."
Filia lay in the bed and watched him as he turned away.
(-(-(-)-)-)
What was THAT? Valgaav flushed as the feelings subsided. Drying his short hair, he returned to his bedroom and stared at the empty cabin. MOM? he wondered incredulously, then shivered and gagged. Yuck . . .
Shaking his head, the empath began to dress for the day.
(-(-(-)-)-)
Sighing, the dragoness sat up in bed, head hanging as the door closed. I shouldn't have gotten so carried away, she told herself, slowly getting to her feet as the sound of the shower began in the bathroom.
Xellos is only trying to keep everything together. Filia blushed slightly as she went to her luggage and began getting a new outfit ready for the day. I . . . I've never been kissed like that before . . . he occasionally kissed me as one of his silly jokes, she reminisced, but . . . this was very different.
Gazing down at the golden ring on her left hand, the blonde exhaled heavily.It would never work out, she told herself. He's a demon, and even if he weren't, he's a flirt and a womanizer. She clutched the clothes to her chest and shook her head slowly. Yet, he's . . .
She went to the window and looked out onto the blue sky and the streams of clouds. . . . He's the most wonderful man I've ever met. Friendship - her mouth tightened angrily as she looked at her hands. Friendship is all we can hope to have, and we should be thankful to have even that. If Zelas had been anyone else, Xellos would have never been allowed to care at all.
Rage simmering inside of her, she brushed the feelings to the background and began practicing her upcoming lines as she waited to take her shower . . . not understanding the anger, and too terrified of the answers to delve so deep.
(-(-(-)-)-)
Xellos closed his eyes as the scalding water coursed over him. I was such a fool for not realizing that this would happen, he told himself angrily. As he began to bathe, he cursed his own stupidity. Too late to be brother and sister or cousins, he grumbled silently, schooling his face to display none of his anger.
And now, the slender man rested a hand on the tile, now I did the worst thing. She's my friend, and I used her . . . I should have never allowed there to be any situation where I would have to kiss her like that. I knew she was lonely and desperate and . . . and I got us into this situation anyhow. He took a deep breath and shook his head, droplets flinging from his soaked hair.
I'm not fit to be her friend at all. She needs someone who won't selfishly desire her like this, who won't take advantage of her.
Washing his hair, Xellos blinked water from his eyes; they stung with unshed tears. But how can I leave them now? I can't, he told himself, Valgaav needs me. The best I can do is try my hardest to find a mate for Filia and then leave her alone.
The sensation of her pressed against him reappeared like a ghost, and he covered his face as the water poured over his head. How can I give that up? he asked himself desperately. I . . . I don't know if I can live without her in my life.
Steeling himself, Xellos forced his emotions at bay. Filia said she wanted me to protect her before. Maybe . . . maybe she'll forgive me. But now is not the time to be wallowing in self-pity.
(-(-(-)-)-)
Hong
Kong, China
June
7th, 2002
Breakfast went swiftly, the three empaths all ignoring the odd feelings surfacing amongst them and the Golden dragoness.
As soon as the jet landed in Hong Kong, their arrival seemed a daze. Chinese military checked their passports in the airport, an oppressive pall hung over the area and the men and women walking the tiny streets of the city seemed to slump with sorrow.
There in the thick of human desolation, Iyzeka felt herself dying inside. Clinging to Valgaav's arm, she shut her eyes to the pallid faces, but the emotions still barraged her.
She found herself standing before a large, beautiful hotel, the walls looming up into the sky. Clutching at her long indigo dress, she gaped at it and dreaded the upcoming days.
"Iyzeka," a voice called to her, and she looked back to see Val handing her the luggage she had brought from the back of the carriage, the Chinese driver assisting him.
Nodding, the redhead took the bags, finding her gaze drawn to the horses again. I really feel lost, she realized, blinking and turning to gaze up at Master Xellos. I wish I was back at the island giving Mistress Zelas a massage.
Her companions' emotions hung over her like a crushing weight, and it wasn't until they entered the main room of the suite that Iyzeka shook herself and looked around.
Xellos and Filia were walking towards the hallway attached to the huge chamber, and Val was gazing down at her in concern. "Iyzeka?" he asked quietly.
"Oh, sorry," she giggled, then found her smile falling.
"What's wrong?" he asked her, leading her over to a door nearby.
Shaking her head, Iyzeka sighed as he opened the door and peered into the room. "I donno'," she softly answered.
Stepping into the bedroom, the well-dressed teen set down his bags and turned back to her. "I don't want you to be depressed," he said, golden eyes piercing.
"I know." Sitting on the bed, Iyzeka looked at her shoes wearily. "I think . . . it's just that everyone else we saw was so sad."
Brow furrowing, the slim young man sat next to her and scratched his head; the mattress dipped very slightly from his weight. "Well, this is a Communist regime. The people of Hong Kong were used to living under British democracy, and now all of the rights they had are gone. They feel oppressed."
"Yes," she nodded, voice becoming more and more wispy. "Oppressed." Her green eyes flashed to him. "I hate it. No one should feel that way!"
Val inhaled deeply and slowly shook his head. "I know." His chin dropped and silence clutched at his breath. "I know."
(-(-(-)-)-)
The stillness was getting almost unbearable, but at least Filia knew why, now.
"Mom,"she remembered Valgaav whispering to her as they hugged after breakfast, "Zander seems pretty upset about something. Maybe you should talk to him. Okay?"
Obviously, her son wanted her to speak with Xellos. She knew Valgaav was an empath; he would always be stronger than her in every area, mental powers included. But, she thought as she sat down on the bed, fingers splayed empty on her knees, what do I say?
Xellos rustled behind her as he unpacked his bags, and she realized that there was only one thing he could be upset about. This morning. He already seemed so upset with himself, she remembered, blue eyes narrowing. But I don't WANT him to be upset. It was my fault.
But Xellos doesn't know that.
Nodding, the blonde stood, her long, loose hair floating around her as she turned to face the man, flowered dress dancing lightly across her legs.
The dark gray business suit highlighted the deep orchid color of his hair, once again tied at the nape of his neck. Quietly, elegantly, he moved from his suitcase to the closet, all attention on the clothes he was putting away.
"Zander?" she said gently, smiling as she approached him. "I was wondering . . . if we could do something together right now."
Xellos stopped and gazed down at her, violet eyes withdrawn. "Now?"
Touching his arm, Filia blushed and said, "Maybe . . . alone?"
Stunned, the man swallowed, then looked away. "Of course. Um . . ."
"Let's take a walk," she offered happily, full skirt shivering as she bounced on her toes.
Xellos, you're so funny! I . . . I can't recall you ever acting like this. I know it can't be that you're pretending to be someone else, she realized as she took his hand.
Filia led them out of the bedroom and into the empty hallway, the décor a sterile white and gold. The sound of their footsteps was absorbed by the gray carpeting, and each remained silent as they walked.
Finally, the blonde decided to try to start a link on her own. Using a tiny amount of magic, she sent out the message. —Xellos, Valgaav said you were upset. I want to help. Can you hear this?—
Blinking, the man looked down at her, then smiled slightly. "Do you remember the last time we were here?" he said as they paused before the door out of the suite.
"Yes," she nodded, flushing and rubbing her toes against the carpet.
—I heard you,— Xellos answered hesitantly. —Though I'm not sure how you did that . . . — "Val, Iyzeka!" he called out, and the two teens appeared from Valgaav's room. "We'll be back in a few minutes, okay?"
The green-haired boy nodded. "Sure."
Taking a deep breath, the Mazoku winked at the boy and said, "Okay, see you guys later," then pulled his 'wife' out the door.
Filia let Xellos meander down the lovely hall of the hotel, their hands still very tightly clutched together. She felt somewhat distanced as they made their way towards the elevators, and with a sigh, she looked up at him. "Where are we going to go?" she asked.
Shrugging, the businessman smirked at her slightly. "I was thinking the elevator," he dryly admitted.
Giving him a glare, Filia released a slow breath as they stopped before the doors. "Okay, then," she said and grinned, pressing the down button, "Since we're reminiscing, we should see what's still the same at this hotel."
His amethyst eyes widened slightly as the doors opened with a ping. "Okay."
